Heat Wave Recommendations

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF CONDITIONS CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES

Heat exhaustion is a moderate but potentially serious condition that occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and loss of fluids and electrolytes.

Heatstroke is an acute, life-threatening condition and is considered a medical emergency. It most commonly occurs when the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms fail.

 

HEAT EXHAUSTION	HEATSTROKE
General weakness and pronounced fatigue	Throbbing headache
Possible muscle cramps	Evident confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness progressing to collapse
Rapid pulse	Rapid and strong pulse
Nausea and/or vomiting	Nausea and/or vomiting
Pale, cool and clammy skin	Body temperature (usually above 40°C)
Profuse sweating	Hot and dry skin
Dizziness or feeling light-headed	Absence or significant reduction in sweating
	Muscle cramps

 

Note
Any occurrence of impaired consciousness, a very high body temperature, or neurological symptoms (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness) should be considered a suspected case of heatstroke and requires immediate medical intervention.

 

GUIDELINES FOR ACTION IN CONDITIONS RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES

In order to protect people’s health and safety, when conditions related to exposure to high ambient temperatures occur or are suspected (heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heatstroke), the following guidelines must be followed until professional medical assistance arrives (if needed):

 

1. Ensuring safety and stopping exposure

• Physical activity should be stopped immediately.
• The person should be moved to a cool, shaded, well-ventilated or air-conditioned room.
• The person should be placed in a lying position, with the lower limbs slightly elevated if there is no suspicion of injury.

2. Cooling the body

• Ensure air circulation (naturally or with a fan) to accelerate evaporation.
• Loosen or remove tight and unnecessary clothing.
• Moisten the skin with lukewarm to cool water.
• Begin gradual cooling with cold compresses applied to the neck, armpits and groin.
• Do not use sudden or extreme cooling methods.

3. Hydration

• If the person is conscious and able to communicate, give them water or an electrolyte solution in small, frequent sips.
• Do not give fluids to people with impaired or lost consciousness.
• Do not give alcoholic, energy or caffeinated beverages.

4. Monitoring vital functions

• Monitor the person’s level of consciousness, orientation to time and place, breathing and general condition.
• In case of confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe headache or a high body temperature occurs, the condition should be considered a medical emergency.

5. Call for emergency medical assistance

• In cases of suspected heatstroke, as well as when there is no improvement after the measures have been taken, emergency medical assistance should be called without delay.
• Continue cooling measures until medical services arrive.

6. What to do in case of loss of consciousness

• Check breathing and ensure that the airways are clear.
• Place the person in the recovery position (side position).
• Do not leave the person unattended until professional medical assistance arrives.

 

More information on how to protect yourself from hot weather can also be found at the following links from the Institute of Public Health:

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1806 – Recommendations for Cooling Indoor Spaces During Hot Weather

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1805 – Recommendations for Protecting People Over 65 During High Temperatures

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1802 – Recommendations for Managers of Residential Facilities for Older People and Long-Term Institutional Care Centres

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1799 – Water Intake and Physical Activity During Hot Weather

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1798 – Protecting Infants and Children During Hot Weather

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1795 – Recommendations for Summer Travel

https://www.iph.mk/mk/news/index/1787 – Recommendations for Pregnant Women During Hot Weather